Star Wars: Every Actor That Played Darth Vader

Darth Vader was one of the most dangerous figures in the galaxy, and the face behind the mask was a mystery until Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, but the character has been played by more than one actor in Star Wars. The Star Wars universe began its run in 1977 with A New Hope, which set the basis for the rest of the franchise and introduced some of its most memorable characters, such as Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Darth Vader.

A Sith Lord and the primary antagonist of the original trilogy, Darth Vader (whose real name was Anakin Skywalker) appeared in the first three films, and his backstory was the main focus of the prequel trilogy, although he didn’t appear in full costume until Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Vader has also appeared in other Star Wars media, such as the series Star Wars Rebels, and has had different actors either playing the role or providing the voice for it.

The first actors to play Darth Vader were David Prowse and James Earl Jones in A New Hope. Prowse was the actor underneath the mask and suit, while Jones provided the voice. Prowse reprised his role in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, with Bob Anderson in charge of stunts, and Jones voicing the character again. Sebastian Shaw played an unmasked and redeemed Vader in Return of the Jedi. Vader didn’t show up in the prequel trilogy until the end of Revenge of the Sith, where viewers witnessed his full conversion to the dark side. Hayden Christensen, who played Anakin Skywalker in Attack of the Clones, got to put on the mask and suit for Revenge of the Sith. James Earl Jones came back to lend his voice for the occasion, as well as for the TV series Rebels.

Darth Vader hasn’t appeared in recent Star Wars TV series nor in the sequel trilogy, but Anakin has. He appeared in Clone Wars voiced by Mat Lucas, The Clone Wars film and series, and most recently in Forces of Destiny, all these voiced by Matt Lanter. Speaking of Anakin, the youngling was played by Jake Lloyd in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, and his force ghost at the end of Return of the Jedi was originally played by Sebastian Shaw, and later replaced with Hayden Christensen to follow the saga’s continuity.

The Star Wars universe is currently preparing for the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the last installment in the sequel trilogy and the one set to give closure to the Skywalker saga. As such, there have been many rumors about Darth Vader’s involvement in the story, only fueled by Disney adding Vader to the film’s marketing campaign and little details in the trailers and other footage. Plot details on The Rise of Skywalker are a mystery, and if Vader/Anakin somehow shows up, it’s going to be a big (and hopefully pleasant) surprise for fans.

About The Author

Adrienne Tyler
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Adrienne Tyler is a features writer for Screen Rant. She is an Audiovisual Communication graduate who wanted to be a filmmaker, but life had other plans (and it turned out great). Prior to Screen Rant, she wrote for Pop Wrapped, 4 Your Excitement (4YE), and D20Crit, where she was also a regular guest at Netfreaks podcast. She was also a contributor for FanSided’s BamSmackPow and 1428 Elm. Adrienne is very into films and she enjoys a bit of everything: from superhero films to heartbreaking dramas, to low-budget horror films. Every time she manages to commit to a TV show without getting bored, an angel gets its wings.

When she’s not writing, you can find her trying to learn a new language, watching hockey (go Avs!), or wondering what life would have been like had Pushing Daisies, Firefly, and Limitless not been cancelled. Breakfast food is life and coffee is what makes the world go round.

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Guillermo del Toro said “hi” to her once. It was great.

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